Antonio Van Wyk making early impact after move to Mamelodi Sundowns

New Mamelodi Sundowns winger Antonio Van Wyk is enjoying the most productive season of his career, just two months after joining the club from Austrian side SV Ried.

The 24-year-old arrived at Chloorkop without attracting the same level of attention as some of Sundowns’ other signings. Having spent the previous two seasons in the Austrian Bundesliga without making a significant statistical impact, Van Wyk faced questions over whether he could rediscover the form that had persuaded the club to bring him back to the PSL.

He has responded emphatically, scoring four goals for Sundowns since his arrival and quickly becoming an increasingly important part of Miguel Cardoso’s attack.

Van Wyk began his spell with an immediate contribution, scoring and supplying an assist on his debut as Sundowns defeated Polokwane City 3-2 after extra time in the MTN8 quarter-final in August.

His latest goal came in dramatic circumstances on Saturday, when he struck in the closing moments of stoppage time to earn Sundowns a 1-1 draw against Chippa United in a rain-affected Betway Premiership match at Buffalo City Stadium.

The early return is a notable improvement on his output in Austria. After joining SV Ried from Stellenbosch before the 2024/25 season, Van Wyk recorded four goals and seven assists across two campaigns.

That record had raised doubts about the decision to bring him back to South Africa. The Cape Town-born player had also scored only six goals in 78 appearances for Stellenbosch, known as The Maroons, after being promoted from the club’s reserves in July 2021.

His current form therefore represents a significant shift in productivity. Rather than needing an extended period to settle, Van Wyk has already matched the goal total he managed during his entire time at Stellenbosch, while also making decisive contributions in important matches for Sundowns.

Transfermarkt records indicate that Sundowns paid about €1 million (R19 million) to sign him. The investment is beginning to produce clear returns, with Van Wyk showing the hunger and attacking influence the club would have wanted when completing the deal.

Sundowns have also made an exceptional start to their league campaign under Portuguese coach Cardoso. They have scored 19 goals in eight Betway Premiership matches, the club’s highest total at this stage of a season.

Van Wyk’s goals have added to an already powerful attack, but his direct involvement in the team’s opening months has given him a prominent role as Sundowns seek to maintain their strong start.